Advocacy & News

The Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan provides information on a wide variety of public policy and legislative issues pertaining to higher education. Additionally, the Council takes official positions on matters of concern to Michigan's public universities in order to help our members, and the public, stay up-to-date on important issues impacting higher education.

Michigan's business leaders, educators, advocates, and parents understand that in order for students to compete in a global economy, our state needs rigorous academic standards. To that end, we proudly endorse the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - a state-led effort that will better prepare Michigan students to succeed after high school. Sadly, misstatements and myths are being spread about the CCSS. We answer these myths with facts.

State Financial Aid for Students Concept Paper (pdf)
The demand for student financial aid in the State of Michigan and throughout the nation is at an all-time high due to the current economic recession. Even before the reductions in the 2009-10 state budget students with financial need did not compare well to those in other mid-western states. The PCSUM financial aid directors committee benchmarked, discussed, and developed a concept paper on state financial aid programs.

Challenges and Implications (pdf), Declining State Support of Michigan Public Higher Education
An overview of how Michigan's public universities' have responded to state funding reductions, and the implications of any further erosion of state support of higher education.